`Pak govt won’t extend ISI chief’s tenure`

Islamabad: The Pakistan Government has said it would not give an extension to Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Lieutenant General Ahmed Shuja Pasha.

A government official told the Express Tribune that Islamabad is finding a successor before Lt Gen Pasha’s tenure ends on March 18.

There is no indication that Army Chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani is interested in giving an extension to Lt Gen Pasha.

The paper quoted sources as saying that there are three frontrunners for the post, including General Staff chief Lieutenant General Wahid Arshad, Corps Commander Karachi Lieutenant General Muhammad Zahirul Islam and Corps Commander Peshawar Lieutenant General Khalid Rabbani.

Another military source said that Lt-General Zahirul Islam is a strong contender for the position.

There is no official confirmation on whether the Army has formally forwarded the names to the government.

Though the Pakistan Prime Minister has the authority to appoint the ISI chief, it would be a rare move for the civilian government to take the decision without the consent of the military establishment.